EP0348116A2 - Procédé et dispositif de prélèvement du contenu d'un récipient scellé - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif de prélèvement du contenu d'un récipient scellé Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0348116A2
EP0348116A2 EP89306140A EP89306140A EP0348116A2 EP 0348116 A2 EP0348116 A2 EP 0348116A2 EP 89306140 A EP89306140 A EP 89306140A EP 89306140 A EP89306140 A EP 89306140A EP 0348116 A2 EP0348116 A2 EP 0348116A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
fluid flow
closure
fluid
flow path
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP89306140A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0348116A3 (fr
Inventor
Tipton Lee Golias
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Helena Laboratories Corp
Original Assignee
Helena Laboratories Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Helena Laboratories Corp filed Critical Helena Laboratories Corp
Publication of EP0348116A2 publication Critical patent/EP0348116A2/fr
Publication of EP0348116A3 publication Critical patent/EP0348116A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0289—Apparatus for withdrawing or distributing predetermined quantities of fluid
    • B01L3/0293—Apparatus for withdrawing or distributing predetermined quantities of fluid for liquids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for discharging the contents of a sealed container and has a particular utility in discharging the contents of a test tube, blood collection tube or the like.
  • test tube is frequently utilized as a collection container for blood specimens.
  • the test tube, with the blood specimen container therein, is usually sealed with a resilient closure or stopper.
  • the test tube and its contents are frequently subjected to a centrifugal operation. After centrifuging, it is typical to remove the stopper from the test tube so that some of the contents may be transferred to a specimen plate or the like for analysis.
  • the present invention overcomes this shortcoming by providing a method and apparatus for discharging the contents of the test tube without the need for removing the stopper by puncturing the stopper and establishing plural fluid flow paths. Air is introduced through one fluid flow path into the interior of the test tube under slight pressure, such as by a manual pump, in response to which contents of the test tube are discharged through the second fluid flow path.
  • apparatus for transferring fluid from a sealed container such as a test tube or the like, the container having a resilient closure at one end is characterised in that this comprises means for puncturing the resilient closure and for establishing first and second fluid flow paths through the closure, means for holding the puncturing means, and means for creating a pressure differential within the container and for discharging fluid therefrom through the second fluid flow path.
  • a method is disclosed of discharging the contents from a container such as test tube or the like, the container being sealed with a resilient closure at one end the method being characterised by the steps of puncturing the resilient closure and establishing first and second fluid flow paths therethrough, introducing air through the first fluid flow path into the container, and transferring the contents from the interior of the container through the second fluid flow path in response to the introduction of air into the container through the first fluid flow path.
  • apparatus for transferring fluid from a container sealed by a resilient closure is characterised in that the apparatus comprises a plurality of elongated hollow tubes for puncturing the resilient closure and establishing at least first and second fluid flow paths therethrough and a pump for introducing air through the first fluid path into the container causing a pressure increase therein, in response to which fluid in the container is dispensed through the second fluid flow path.
  • a container 10 is illustrated in a form recognisable as a conventional test tube, blood collection tube, or the like.
  • the container 10 is an elongated member with a hollow interior and having a thin wall 12 with the container open at a first end 14 and closed at a bottom or second end 16.
  • a conventional test tube may be formed of glass or other suitable materials having a degree of rigidity and imperviousness sufficient such that specimens collected therein may be conveniently stored, shipped, and even subjected to centrifuging.
  • the test tube may be provided with a stopper 18 having an enlarged head 20 and a stem or leg 22 such that the stopper is of generally "T" shape in cross-­section.
  • the stopper head 20 is frequently provided with a concave upper surface or recess 24.
  • the stopper is made of a resilient material, such as a rubber, and is of a size to sealingly engage the test tube such that the leg 22 of the stopper frictionally fits within the test tube, in engagement with the wall 12, and such that the open first end of the test tube 14 will engage the underside of the head 20 of the stopper.
  • the stopper upon insertion of the stopper into the open test tube, the stopper is urged toward the bottom 16 of the test tube until such time as the first end 14 of the test tube sealingly engages the underside of the head 20.
  • the stopper frequently called a closure, is made of the same material that functions as a stopper or closure for a vial of medicine and is thus not only resilient, but when punctured by a small-diameter needle, once the needle is removed, the closure is re-sealed automatically. All of this is, of course, conventional.
  • Means are provided, according to the principles of the present invention, for discharging the contents of the sealed container without removing the closure 18. Specifically, means are provided for puncturing the closure and for establishing first and second fluid flow paths through the closure.
  • the puncturing means 30 includes a first elongated tube or needle 32 having a first end 34 and a second, sharpened end 36.
  • the needle (which may be a tube, cannula or the like) is preferably formed of stainless steel and may be a conventional number 21 needle having a 0.032 inch (0.0813 cms) outside diameter.
  • the puncturing means also includes a second tube or needle 38 having a first end 40 and a second, sharpened end 42.
  • the second needle 38 may be slightly larger than the first needle 32, such as a stainless steel number 16 needle having an outside diameter of 0.062 inches (0.1575 cms). It should be understood that the needle sizes are merely illustrative. For example, the needle diameters may be selected dependent upon the fluid being collected in the test tube such that they avoid picking up fibrin threads if blood is being collected. Thus, the needles may, in fact, selectively filter the fluid being discharged by virtue of the needle diameter.
  • the puncturing means is mounted in a holding means 50.
  • the holding means is preferably made of impact styrene and is generally T-shaped in cross-section, including an enlarged head 52 and a leg or stem 54.
  • the holding means 50 is circular in plan view, and the bottom of the leg 54 may be curved or rounded or convex as at 56 to seat within the concave recess 24 of the stopper.
  • the holding means includes first and second apertures 58, 60 therethrough, in which the first and second needles are respectively inserted. As illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2, for convenience the first needle 32 may extend slightly above and through the head of the holding means 50, for purposes to be described, and the second needle may optionally extend above the head 52 of the holding means 50.
  • Discharge means 66 are provided for introducing fluid, such as air, into the sealed test tube such that blood may be transferred out of the test tube.
  • a container 68 is mounted and secured to the first end 34 of the first needle 32.
  • the container 68 is shaped as an enlarged bulbous member, formed for example of low-density polyethylene, and as such is a resilient, flexible member.
  • the discharging means further includes an elongated, thin hollow tube 70 dimensioned to slidably fit within the second needle 38 and having a first end 72 and a second end 74.
  • the tube 70 is preferably formed of an inert, low-friction material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, and slides within the second fluid flow path (i.e. within the needle 38) as indicated diagrammatically by the double headed arrow 76.
  • the holding means 50 which may be thought of as an insert or socket, containing the two needles, is forced downwardly (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) to puncture the closure or stopper 18, thus establishing first and second fluid flow paths through the closure.
  • the elongated tube 70 is inserted through the second fluid flow path into the interior of the test tube and, more specifically, into the fluid contained within the test tube.
  • the fluid contained in the test tube may be homogenous, in which case the depth of penetration of the first end 72 of the tube 70 into the contents of the test tube is of lesser significance.
  • the contents of the test tube may be stratified into a plurality of layers 80, 82.
  • the tube 70 should be inserted through the second needle 38 until the first end 72 of the tube reaches the desired depth, depending upon which layer of contents is to be discharged from the test tube.
  • the bulbous pump 68 is flexed or squeezed to force air from the bulbous pump 68 through the first fluid flow path or first needle 32 into the interior of the sealed test tube. This may be accomplished by squeezing opposite sides of the bulbous container or pump 68 as illustrated diagrammatically by two fingers 84 and 86, illustrated in Figure 3 as being on opposite sides of the bulbous pump 68.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
EP19890306140 1988-06-20 1989-06-16 Procédé et dispositif de prélèvement du contenu d'un récipient scellé Withdrawn EP0348116A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20844788A 1988-06-20 1988-06-20
US208447 1988-06-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0348116A2 true EP0348116A2 (fr) 1989-12-27
EP0348116A3 EP0348116A3 (fr) 1990-09-05

Family

ID=22774650

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19890306140 Withdrawn EP0348116A3 (fr) 1988-06-20 1989-06-16 Procédé et dispositif de prélèvement du contenu d'un récipient scellé

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0348116A3 (fr)
JP (1) JPH0244251A (fr)
AU (1) AU620105B2 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0409650A2 (fr) * 1989-07-21 1991-01-23 Helena Laboratories Corporation Dispositif de prélèvement du contenu d'un récipient scellé
US5211310A (en) * 1991-04-30 1993-05-18 Andronic Devices Ltd. Apparatus and method for dispensing phases of blood
US5249711A (en) * 1992-10-01 1993-10-05 Du Pont Canada Inc. Disposable dispensing pipette
US5322192A (en) * 1992-07-28 1994-06-21 Automed Corporation Pipetting apparatus
US5354483A (en) * 1992-10-01 1994-10-11 Andronic Technologies, Inc. Double-ended tube for separating phases of blood
US5555920A (en) * 1991-04-30 1996-09-17 Automed Corporation Method and apparatus for aliquotting blood serum or blood plasma
EP0772997A2 (fr) * 1995-08-30 1997-05-14 Becton, Dickinson and Company Procédés alternatifs pour remplir des tubes capillaires en verre
WO2005100945A1 (fr) * 2004-04-08 2005-10-27 Biotrove, Inc. Interface de prelevement de specimen entre une microplaque et un tube concentrique

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1669776A (en) * 1926-05-14 1928-05-15 Walter J Wilson Sampling device for tank cars
GB506779A (en) * 1938-02-04 1939-06-05 Harold William Gardner A new pressure filler for pipettes
FR1568072A (fr) * 1968-01-24 1969-05-23
US3872730A (en) * 1972-03-10 1975-03-25 Becton Dickinson Co Sampling apparatus
US3985032A (en) * 1975-11-13 1976-10-12 Centaur Chemical Co. Micropipette filter tips
US4228831A (en) * 1978-12-11 1980-10-21 Abbott Laboratories Probe and syringe drive apparatus

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1669776A (en) * 1926-05-14 1928-05-15 Walter J Wilson Sampling device for tank cars
GB506779A (en) * 1938-02-04 1939-06-05 Harold William Gardner A new pressure filler for pipettes
FR1568072A (fr) * 1968-01-24 1969-05-23
US3872730A (en) * 1972-03-10 1975-03-25 Becton Dickinson Co Sampling apparatus
US3985032A (en) * 1975-11-13 1976-10-12 Centaur Chemical Co. Micropipette filter tips
US4228831A (en) * 1978-12-11 1980-10-21 Abbott Laboratories Probe and syringe drive apparatus

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5400923A (en) * 1988-06-20 1995-03-28 Helena Laboratories Corporation Apparatus for discharging contents of a sealed container
EP0409650A3 (en) * 1989-07-21 1991-08-14 Helena Laboratories Corporation Apparatus for discharging contents of a sealed container
EP0409650A2 (fr) * 1989-07-21 1991-01-23 Helena Laboratories Corporation Dispositif de prélèvement du contenu d'un récipient scellé
US5413246A (en) * 1991-04-30 1995-05-09 Automed Corporation Apparatus and method for aliquotting phases of blood
US5211310A (en) * 1991-04-30 1993-05-18 Andronic Devices Ltd. Apparatus and method for dispensing phases of blood
US5555920A (en) * 1991-04-30 1996-09-17 Automed Corporation Method and apparatus for aliquotting blood serum or blood plasma
US5322192A (en) * 1992-07-28 1994-06-21 Automed Corporation Pipetting apparatus
US5249711A (en) * 1992-10-01 1993-10-05 Du Pont Canada Inc. Disposable dispensing pipette
US5354483A (en) * 1992-10-01 1994-10-11 Andronic Technologies, Inc. Double-ended tube for separating phases of blood
EP0772997A2 (fr) * 1995-08-30 1997-05-14 Becton, Dickinson and Company Procédés alternatifs pour remplir des tubes capillaires en verre
EP0772997A3 (fr) * 1995-08-30 1997-08-13 Becton Dickinson Co Procédés alternatifs pour remplir des tubes capillaires en verre
WO2005100945A1 (fr) * 2004-04-08 2005-10-27 Biotrove, Inc. Interface de prelevement de specimen entre une microplaque et un tube concentrique
US7100460B2 (en) 2004-04-08 2006-09-05 Biotrove, Inc. Concentric tube microplate autosample interface

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0244251A (ja) 1990-02-14
AU620105B2 (en) 1992-02-13
AU3652289A (en) 1989-12-21
EP0348116A3 (fr) 1990-09-05

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